The UK heat pump market experienced a 63% rise in hydronic heat pump sales in 2024, according to new data from the Heat Pump Association (HPA). A total of 98,469 hydronic heat pumps were sold, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

This growth was accompanied by a 15% rise in individuals completing recognised heat pump training qualifications.

The surge in sales was primarily driven by a 64% increase in Air to Water Monobloc sales and a 100% growth in the ‘other heat pump’ category, which includes domestic hot water heat pumps, exhaust air heat pumps, and integrated hybrid heat pumps. This expansion reflects ongoing innovation and investment aimed at diversifying heat pump technologies across the UK.

After a modest 4% growth in sales between 2022 and 2023, this increased level of deployment should provide enhanced confidence to the market that the sector is in a good place to meet expected increases in demand in the coming years.  The HPA is encouraged by this strong growth, which has been supported by government schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Energy Company Obligation with MCS heat pump notifications accounting for 60% of total sales.

To meet demand, growth in sales must be accompanied by a growth in the skilled heat pump workforce. 2024 saw 9,062 individuals successfully completing a recognised heat pump training qualification – a 15% increase on 2023 levels.

While this level of growth is welcomed, substantial efforts are still needed to ensure heat pump deployment and workforce growth reach the levels required to reduce UK carbon emissions in line with legally binding targets. The previous government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, and the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation of heat pumps in 10% of UK households by 2030, remain a challenging goal. Meeting such will require swift, decisive government action, and the heat pump industry remains committed to working collaboratively with government, consumers and stakeholders to deliver the scale needed.

“It’s fantastic to see huge progress on heat pump installations, with thousands of people now benefiting from clean heating in their homes.” says the Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh. “We are keeping up this momentum by almost doubling the budget for our Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the next financial year, giving more families £7,500 off the cost. At the same time, our Heat Training Grant will have provided a further 10,000 opportunities by April to train up heat pump and heat network professionals, supporting skilled jobs across the country.”

Charlotte Lee, chief executive of the HPA, adds: “2024 was a pivotal year for the UK heat pump market, and it’s fantastic to share our figures showing a 63% increase in heat pump sales and 15% increase in individuals successfully completing heat pump training. This unprecedented, accelerated growth is a sign of progress and reflects the sector’s dedication and determination to scale up to support the decarbonisation of heat in UK homes and buildings.

“However, to sustain and strengthen this level of growth and encourage further investment in UK manufacturing and in growing a skilled and competent workforce, there needs to be a clear, credible heat decarbonisation transition plan published by the government which includes a detailed heat pump installation pathway, supported by policy and regulatory change. This will provide the confidence the market needs.”

Speaking on behalf of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), director Stewart Clements, says: “This news is a positive step in the right direction for heat pump sales in the UK and continues the trend of year-on-year growth in this market. We hope this continues into the future, especially as the Clean Heat Market Mechanism comes into force in April, when increasing consumer demand will be critical to its success.

“Decarbonising our homes remains one of the toughest objectives in the UK’s transition to net zero and every low carbon installation helps us on this path. We look forward to supporting our members as we seek to set another heat pump sales record in 2025.”

HPA Members receive more frequent and granular UK Heat Pump sales data updates. To find out more about HPA membership visit: https://www.heatpumps.org.uk/membership/

For more information on the Heat Pump Association and to access the statistics page, please visit https://www.heatpumps.org.uk/statistics/

Image credit: Daikin